IT is doubtful that Jonjo Shelvey pictured Iranian missiles flying overhead when his family upped sticks and moved to Dubai last year.
The former England midfielder, 34, said in February that the UK was going “downhill” and he would rather bring his three kids up elsewhere.
But tensions in parts of the Middle East have boiled over in the seven months since he signed for Arabian Falcons, where he has just transitioned from player to manager.
Civilian casualties have been reported in the UAE amid the conflict between the USA, Israel and Iran.
And hundreds of people have been injured due to missile and drone debris falling on built-up areas.
But Romford-born Shelvey stands by his comments – and insists that even in the midst of a bitter conflict Dubai feels safer than London.
He told SunSport: “I still stand by what I said. I am not changing my perspective.
“I wouldn’t want to bring my kids up back home – well, not home, but back in the UK around London and Essex where I’m originally from.
“I’m not slating the place because that is where I grew up. But it wasn’t like that then. You could go out and be down the park or whatever with your mates or walk to the shops.
“I have not thought about going back once. I have felt so safe here.
“I would feel more unsafe walking around London than I would being out here with missiles flying over your head.
“But you have to give credit to the UAE in terms of how they have handled the situation and made everybody feel safe.
“I’m very content and happy out here and I would choose here over there any day of the week.”
The UK government is advising against “all but essential travel” to the UAE until tensions ease.
That could make Shelvey’s new job difficult, with Falcons bosses – including co-owner and former Premier League star Jason Puncheon – hoping that their big-name appointment can help lure others from major European leagues to the UAE’s third tier.
The Falcons have set themselves the ambitious target of competing in the next edition of the FIFA Club World Cup in 2029.
And Shelvey remains hopeful that he can sell the Dubai lifestyle to potential signings.
He said: “The lifestyle it offers you is fantastic.
“A lot of footballers come here on holiday so they sort of know that side of it anyway.
“Day in day out lifestyle is also fantastic.
“There are some amazing places to live. You can get around easily. And there is so much opportunity out here as well.
“I don’t think it would be a problem in terms of convincing people to come out.
“If people are intrigued to come out here and play then all they need to do is reach out to me and I will tell them the truth.”